Jeffrey DeWitt to take over as DC's CFO

WASHINGTON (AP) - Jeffrey DeWitt is set to take over as the District of Columbia's chief financial officer.

Friday is DeWitt's first day on the job. He replaces Natwar Gandhi, who retired after 13 years.

The CFO operates independently from the rest of city government to ensure that the city doesn't overspend. The position was created by Congress in the 1990s.

DeWitt was the former CFO in Phoenix. He was appointed by Mayor Vincent Gray and confirmed by the D.C. Council with minimal debate.

Gandhi was praised for keeping the city on sound financial footing, but his management of the office has come under scrutiny in other ways. Its handling of the city's lottery contract is the subject of a long-running federal investigation.